by Laurie Feldman

Created on: October 04, 2008

The thought of flying alone with an infant can be daunting to a single parent. The mere notion of taking a baby on a plane makes many parents, who plan to travel together with their infant, nervous, to say the least. Single parents may be even more reluctant as the idea of being trapped on aircraft thousands of feet above the ground, with no one to help to care for the baby, can be unsettling, to say the least.

Some infants may surprise their parents by sleeping through the entire flight, while other babies, who are normally calm and easy going, can completely freak out while flying. The thing is no parent ever knows for sure how their baby will respond to flight until she is in flight, so especially for the single parent who will not have the advantage of having a partner to commiserate with and to help calm and soothe the baby, advanced preparation for a smooth flight is essential.

The following tips I have used when flying with my children. When my oldest was born, I flew home alone with her when she was only two weeks old. The flight was very peaceful, and she slept and was content the entire time thanks to the simple steps, listed below, that I followed before boarding the plane.

Simple tips for Single Parents flying with an infant

* Carry your infant through the airport in a baby carrier or sling and for as long as possible, keep the baby in the device on the plane. Your baby will be comforted in a strange enviroment by being kept close to Mom or Dad; and your will have free arms and hands to stow your bag, adjust your tray table;etc. If the baby falls asleep while you are walking in the airport before you board the plane, you will not have to disturb her by removing her from the stroller. She can just continue her nap right through the flight.

* Be prepared for take off and landing when your baby will likely be disturbed by cabin pressure. Popping ears are painful to adults, so naturally this can make for a very fussy baby. A baby's ears will best be relieved if he or she can suck on something during take off and landing. If baby is sleeping at these times, don't, by any means, wake him, however, if he does wake or is awake at these times, either nurse him, or give him a bottle or paci to keep his ears clear.

*Bring along a well stocked bag. Make sure to include: comfort items; a blanket, even in warmer weather as the plane will likely be heavily air-conditioned; plenty of feeding and changing supplies, including a couple of extra outfits; and a new, age

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